The study, published in the Journal of Psycho-Oncology investigated the effect of yoga on almost 50 women with breast cancer and women doing yoga classes were found to gain mental health benefits.
Half the women were given a ten-week programme of classes in Restorative Yoga, which uses cushions and blankets for physical support.
The remaining women were put on a waiting list. All completed questionnaires at the beginning-and-end of the study to evaluate the quality of life.
Women doing yoga classes gained mental health benefits, including a 50 percent reduction in depression and a 12 percent increase in feelings of peace.
‘Evidence is quite strong that mind-body therapies improve mood, quality of life and treatment-related symptoms in people with cancer,’ says researcher Suzanne Danhauer.
‘Yoga is one mind-body therapy that is widely available and involves relatively reasonable costs.’
Source: Daily Mail